Canary Islands Issue Forest Fire Pre-Alert Amid Extreme Heatwave

The Canary Islands government has issued a forest fire pre-alert for Tenerife and Gran Canaria, effective from 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 24, 2026. Based on data from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), the islands are bracing for a period of extreme weather that poses a significant threat to local ecosystems.

The alert is driven by an influx of Saharan air, which will cause temperatures to spike well above normal. In Tenerife, temperatures in the peaks and mid-altitude regions are expected to exceed 30°C. Gran Canaria faces a more severe situation, with forecasts predicting temperatures above 34°C in forested areas. These conditions are worsened by humidity levels dropping below 30%, which dries out vegetation and makes it highly flammable.

Authorities are particularly concerned about the combination of this heat with strong south and southwest winds at higher altitudes. Because these conditions can cause fires to spread rapidly, officials are increasing patrols in woodland areas. Current regulations strictly forbid any activities that could spark a fire, including burning agricultural waste, using fire in recreational areas, or discarding cigarette butts.

These preventive alerts are vital for managing fire risks on the islands, where the landscape requires a swift response to any emergency. The regional government is urging the public to stay alert and report any signs of smoke immediately by calling 112. Officials emphasize that prevention is the best way to stop small incidents from turning into major environmental disasters.